Explore the fascinating world of bonsai, the centuries-old Asian art of dwarfing trees and shrubs grown in pots—and learn techniques for designing and maintaining these sculptured treasures.
Alongside Longwood bonsai grower Matt Turner and bonsai expert Steve Ittel, watch how a nursery-grown specimen is prepared as a bonsai and discover the tools of the trade for your own bonsai success. You’ll begin your bonsai journey by starting a bonsai of your own, focusing specifically on the design and maintenance of a juniper—a hardy bonsai that thrives outdoors year-round—including repotting and pruning. Leave this fun and interactive session with a bonsai to grow and guide for years to come.
Location
Bonsai Workshop, Potting Shed
Instructor
Matthew Turner, Steve Ittel
Longwood Bonsai Grower Matt Turner joined the team in 2023 to help care for our growing bonsai collection. Turner previously worked at The Hidden Gardens, one of the largest retailers of yamadori (pre-bonsai collected from the wild). He studied with several American and international bonsai artists as they taught and worked on private collections in Chicagoland.
Steve Ittel has been studying and practicing bonsai for more than 30 years. He is a member of the Brandywine Bonsai Society and runs their website. In addition to tending his bonsai collection, he also makes bonsai pottery and works with Longwood's bonsai collection.
